Fox News anchor sues Hasbro over toy hamster with her name

An anchor for Fox News is suing Hasbro for more than $5 million over a toy hamster that shares her name — and possibly even her resemblance.

Harris Faulkner sued Hasbro this week over its plastic Harris Faulkner hamster, sold as part of the Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based company's popular Littlest Pet Shop line. She says the toy wrongfully appropriates her name and persona, harms her professional credibility as a journalist and is an insult.

"Hasbro's portrayal of Faulkner as a rodent is demeaning and insulting," says the lawsuit, which was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in New Jersey.

Faulkner has been at Fox News for a decade. She hosts the daytime show "Outnumbered" and anchors a Sunday evening newscast.

Her lawsuit says that in addition to sharing her name, the toy bears a physical resemblance to Faulkner's traditional professional appearance, including its complexion, eye shape and eye makeup design.

The Harris Faulkner toy was introduced in 2014, according to the lawsuit, and was sold in a package as the pet hamster of a terrier named Benson Detwyler. Other toys in the popular line include animals named Pancakes Watkins, Puffball Petrovsky and Pepper Clark.

The lawsuit says Faulkner never gave permission for Hasbro to use her name or likeness and that she even demanded in January that Hasbro stop using it. More than three weeks later, it was still for sale on Hasbro's website, the lawsuit contends. It says that as of July, Faulkner's name was still being used on a Hasbro website to sell Littlest Pet Shop products, and the plastic hamster that bears her name can still be bought at other online retail stores.

Julie Duffy, a Hasbro spokeswoman, said the company doesn't comment on litigation, but she took issue with the lawsuit's contention that the doll is a "known choking hazard that risks harming small children."

The Littlest Pet Shop product identified, and all products in the Littlest Pet Shop line, meet and exceed all safety standards," Duffy said.

NFL wife accuses reporter of giving sexual favours in exchange for information

THE wife of an NFL team boss was forced to apologise for a shocking declaration that a female sports reporter gave oral sex in exchange for information.

Jessica McCloughan, wife of Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan, accused ESPN reporter Dianna Russini on Twitter of giving “BJs” to obtain stories about the team.

The Twitter account claiming to be “Mrs. McCloughan” with the Twitter handle “Rutherchevy” was deleted as soon as reports first emerged of the accusations made about Russini.

Redskins officials, including Redskins senior vice president Tony Wyllie, initially claimed the account was fake and said Jessica McCloughan was not involved.

Despite the team’s denials, she later admitted to making the accusations and apologised unreservedly.

She was also forced to apologise for a tweet on August 13 in which she replied to one of Russini’s posts, saying: “I’m pretty sure this info is coming from my husband to his new side chick (dianna) It’s confirmed”.

Russini had reported the Washington franchise was divided over whether or not to play or trade its star quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The Washington Post published a transcript of the apology.

“I deeply apologise for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account,” The Washington Post’s Mike Jones reported.

“The comment was unfounded and inappropriate and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN.

“I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organisation and its leadership.

“My comments in no way reflect the opinions or attitudes of the organisation and I regret that my behaviour has in any way negatively impacted the team or its fan base.”

Scot McCloughan joined the Redskins in January after previously working with the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

He and Jessica were married this year after his previous marriage reportedly fell apart during his battle with alcoholism, which ultimately led to him leaving the 49ers.

ESPN also issued a statement, declaring its full support for Russini.

“Dianna is an excellent reporter who should never have to be subjected to such vulgar comments,” ESPN said in a statement.

“We are obviously extremely disappointed by today’s developments.”

Russini has not responded to the claims.

Frontier Airlines offering $1 flights (plus fees) during ‘Fly For Only a Buck’ sale

Ready for a trip in the next few weeks? Frontier Airlines has a deal that may work for you.

Frontier announced today their “Fly For Only a Buck” sale, a promotion that includes last-minute flights from several cities across the country for only $1 (plus fees).

What’s the catch?

The ticket is only $1, but after the fees you will pay $15 each way. You’ll also pay extra for a carry-on bag, checked bag or seat assignment. However, if you’re willing to travel with a backpack and fine with a middle seat in the back of the plane, you could fly for as little as $30 round-trip.

According to Frontier, the flights are from Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Trenton and Washington, D.C. However, we found several other cities that are included in the $1 sale.

You can check for flights at flyfrontier.com. Their website is getting slammed this morning, so the pages may take a long time to load.

You must purchase tickets by midnight. Travel is valid from September 2-16. September 8 is a blackout date.